A nurse is caring for a child with spina bifida.
Which intervention is most important?

Choice A rationale

Limiting fluid intake is generally not indicated for atopic dermatitis unless there is a specific comorbid condition warranting fluid restriction. Maintaining adequate hydration is usually encouraged for overall skin health.

Choice B rationale

Promoting peeling of dead skin is not a primary goal in managing atopic dermatitis. The focus is on reducing inflammation, relieving itching, and maintaining skin hydration and barrier function, not necessarily on exfoliation.

Choice C rationale

Maintaining skin integrity and preventing infection are the most important goals in the care of a child with atopic dermatitis. The chronic inflammation and itching can lead to skin breakdown, increasing the risk of secondary bacterial or viral infections. Nursing interventions focus on gentle skin care, emollients, and managing itching.

Choice D rationale

Alcohol-based lotions should be avoided in children with atopic dermatitis as alcohol can dry and irritate the skin, exacerbating the condition and impairing skin integrity. Emollients that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic are preferred to maintain skin hydration.

Choice A rationale

Pain is a common symptom in superficial and partial-thickness burns where nerve endings are still intact. While pain indicates tissue damage, the absence of pain in a burn area can signify deeper and more severe injury where nerve endings have been destroyed.

Choice B rationale

No pain with pale, leathery skin is a characteristic finding of a full-thickness (third-degree) burn. The destruction of nerve endings eliminates pain sensation, and the skin appears dry, leathery, and may be white, charred, or translucent due to damage to all skin layers and underlying tissue.

Choice C rationale

Mild erythema, or redness of the skin, is characteristic of a superficial (first-degree) burn, such as a sunburn. These burns involve only the epidermis and are typically painful and without blisters.

Choice D rationale

Blister formation is a hallmark of partial-thickness (second-degree) burns, which involve the epidermis and part of the dermis. These burns are typically painful and moist.